SafeTrade Station News

The Oak Forest Police Department, in Chicago's South Suburban community, created some new "Internet Purchase Exchange Locations" in the lobby and parking lot at the police department. Online shoppers can close their deals at the safe locations with surveillance cameras and police nearby. Read local coverage here.

The Pittsburg Police Department has taken the safe-ground concept out the front door, opening last week what it calls an "exchange zone" in front of the City Hall and police station. Read the full story here.

The Gainesville Police Department has implemented a program known as, “Craigslist & E-Commerce Safe Zone”, which is geared toward making transactions arranged online safer. The police department has designated an area of the parking lot under video surveillance as a safe place for E-commerce trading. Police Headquarters is located at, 701 Queen City Parkway, Gainesville, GA 30501.Craigslist transactions that have turned into robberies and/or violent encounters have become a nationwide trend and a problem for police departments across the country. In an effort to alleviate this trend and keep our citizens safe, the Gainesville Police Departing is offering its public parking lot as a suggested location option for these transactions. Gainesville residents can feel safe conducting business in a well-lit public area that is under video surveillance.Additionally, we welcome the public to use our lobby during normal operating hours, typically Monday-Friday, 8am to 5pm. Also, upon request, police officers can check the serial numbers or VIN number of the item being sold to see if they are stolen.We encourage residents to consider this safe option when arranging a location to conduct a Craigslist or E-Commerce style transaction.

The city of Shamble, GA has taken steps to make online transactions worry free. The city designated two downtown locations as “Online Exchange Zones” where the public can meet to buy, sell or trade items.The two areas, located at the Chamblee Police Department lobby and nearby parking lot, offer a place to conduct business 24 hours a day and seven days a week through constant video surveillance. Read the full story here.

The City of Alabaster, Alabama created its first “Safe Trade Zone,” to avoid dangerous or deceitful situations arising from internet-arranged sales such as from Craigslist. The trade zone is behind the city’s old municipal complex, across from the Alabaster Police Department. It’s also equipped with multiple surveillance cameras, which record 24 hours a day (though, Henry said they are not constantly monitored).

The Medina Township Police Department has created what it intends to be a safe haven for transactions with two dedicated parking spots in its lot at 4877 Fenn Road.The lot is marked and there will be video surveillance cameras operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For full story click here.

Merrill, Wisconsin's Health and Safety Committee has unanimously approved the creation of an “Internet Exchange Safe Zone,” located in the parking lot of the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office on the east side between the Lincoln County Jail and Walgreens. The area will be open for public use 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, free of charge.

As a way to make exchanges through mediums like Facebook or Craigslist safer, the Butler County Sheriff’s Office launched its "Safe Exchange Zone," opening the jail lobby, located at 705 Hanover Street, Hamilton from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week for people to meet when they engage in an online exchange. To read more, click here.

ESCANABA - Escanaba Public Safety announces that the department's parking lot can be used by online buyers and sellers as a safer place to make transactions in person.

The selling of private vehicles, household items, clothing and other personal belongings online is increasing with national and regional sites connecting buyers with sellers via various social media.

Due to an increase in crimes related to buying and selling online, Escanaba Public Safety recently joined SafeTrade - a national safety initiative for people to complete online transactions safely when meeting in person.

"People should meet sellers or buyers at our public parking lot, located on the east side of Public Safety," said Escanaba Public Safety Director Ken Vanderlinden. "If a person refuses to meet here, I would recommend that the transaction be avoided."

Person-to-person exchanges can be conducted in the department's public parking lot outside Public Safety, which is located at 1900 3rd Ave N. The parking lot is a well-lit area with camera surveillance.

SafeTrade is a program used by police and sheriff's departments to encourage transactions at their facilities, for departments to strengthen safety and security initiatives, and for users to insist on "SafeTrade" by conducting transactions outside local police or sheriff's offices.